The gardening tips for this month are a little different from years past. Due to the unusually warm weather we have had this winter, many plants and trees are showing signs of an early bloom. Along with some normal gardening tips, here are precautions to keep your plants and lawn safe in the event we have an unexpected cold snap in the near future.
One of the best pieces of advice is to watch, react, and take care of things that may be damaged by any cold temperatures. Be ready to cover your plants and trees in the event freezing temperatures roll through our area. Also, now would be a good time to reapply a winterizer product to promote a stronger root system and provide some added protection from a surprise cold front.
While these needs are important, there is still some regular maintenance that must be done to keep your lawn and garden healthy. If you have grape vines, now is the time to prune them back. Trees and shrubs are also at their most dormant now and should be pruned or transplanted.
This is a great time of year to pick up some azaleas and put them in the ground. You may also want to continue feeding vegetables and annual flowers lightly every two weeks.
CREDIT
column by WILLIAM “BILL” DOTY
BIO: William R. “Bill” Doty is the owner of Doty Farm and Garden Supply Inc. Founded in 1954, Doty’s has been there for every one of its loyal customers’ budding needs. Bill graduated from Winter Haven High School and then Florida State University, where he learned invaluable lessons in listening, asking questions, and reading anything related to the family business. Bill shares his knowledge with his customers daily and our readers each month.